FC Cincinnati (4 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws) battle the Philadelphia Union (2-3-1) Saturday. Kickoff from TQL Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
The Union took down FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2022 MLS playoffs on the way to losing the MLS Cup. Expectations were high again in 2023 for the East’s top seed after such a strong season.
However, despite most of their key starters returning, it has been a struggle early on. F/M Daniel Gazdag, who had 22 goals last season, has 2 through 5 games. Philadelphia is 0-2-1 through its last 3 games and is 0-2-0 on the road is currently 8th in the conference.
FC Cincinnati is 3-0-0 at home this season, having outscored the opposition 4-1 at TQL Stadium. FCC is coming off a 1-0 win over Inter Miami last Saturday. Cinci is led in scoring by M Junior Moreno and F Sergio Santos, both of whom have scored twice.
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FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: FC Cincinnati -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Philadelphia Union +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +100)
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FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union picks and predictions
Prediction
FC Cincinnati 1, Philadelphia Union 1
Moneyline (ML)
SPRINKLE DRAW (+250).
Philadelphia drew Sporting KC 0-0 in their last game. The Union have played close battles as of late with 4 straight games ending in a draw or with a 1-goal margin. Philly has been within .4 expected goals of its opponent in 4 straight games.
FCC has been a similar story as it has been within .7 expected goals of their opponent in all but 1 game this season. All 6 of its games has resulted in a draw or finished with a 1-goal margin.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).
Philadelphia has gone Under in 3 of 6 games this season, but they have had 1.3 or fewer expected goals in 5 of their last 6. The Union have allowed less than 1 expected goal in 3 of 6 and have many familiar faces on their backline, one that allowed just .76 goals per game last season.
FCC is atop the East because of its defense and goaltending, allowing just 4 goals in 6 games with 4 clean sheets. Cincinnati is tied for the most clean sheets in the league and has the sixth-best save percentage while ranking No. 1 in interceptions as well.
Considering the strength so far for both teams, take the UNDER 2.5 (+100).
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